ABOUT COMPLINE

Compline (which comes from the Latin word for completion) follows a very ancient format that has been largely unchanged for many centuries. It is simple enough to memorise and it’s familiar rhythm helps to wonderfully settle the mind before sleep. It is a time of quietness and reflection and is best done as the very last thing you do before turning off the lights and going to sleep.

CALL TO WORSHIP

Reader:God, come to my assistanceAll:Lord, make haste to help me.

Reader:
Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. All:As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE

We are called to have a clear conscience towards God and towards men, in our hearts and in our minds, in our actions and inactions. To do so, it is vital that we examine our conscience daily and ask for God’s mercy as we fall short and to ask His strength to do better.

Pause for Reflection…

All: (When praying in community, use the words in parenthesis)

I confess to God almighty,(and to you my brothers and sisters,)
that I have greatly sinned,
In my thoughts and in my words,
in what I have done and in what I have failed to do.
Through my fault, through my foolishness,And through my fear.

Almighty God, have mercy upon me.Forgive me all my sins,and deliver me from all evil.Confirm and strengthen me in all goodness,and bring me to life everlasting.Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Pause for Reflection…

Reader:Lord, Have mercy.All:Lord, have mercy. Reader:Christ, Have mercy. All:Christ, have mercy. Reader:Lord, Have mercy.All:Lord, have mercy.

EVENING PSALM

Psalm 91

Safety of Abiding in the Presence of God

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most HighShall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress;My God, in Him I will trust.”

Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowlerAnd from the perilous pestilence.He shall cover you with His feathers,And under His wings you shall take refuge;His truth shall be your shield and buckler.You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,Nor of the arrow that flies by day,Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness,Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.

A thousand may fall at your side,And ten thousand at your right hand;But it shall not come near you.Only with your eyes shall you look,And see the reward of the wicked.

Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge,Even the Most High, your dwelling place,No evil shall befall you,Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;For He shall give His angels charge over you,To keep you in all your ways.In their hands they shall bear you up,Lest you dash your foot against a stone.You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra,The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.

“Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him;I will set him on high, because he has known My name.He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;I will be with him in trouble;I will deliver him and honor him.With long life I will satisfy him,And show him My salvation.”

All:Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

WORSHIP

All:
(A time of worship and thanksgiving, led or spontaneous. Alternatively a devotional song may be played and listened to.)

NEW TESTAMENT READING

Ephesians 4:1-16

Unity in the Body of Christ

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism,one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.Therefore it says,

“When he ascended on high he led a host of captives,and he gave gifts to men.”

(In saying, “He ascended”, what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth?He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.)And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers,to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

RESPONSORY

Reader: You have redeemed us, Lord God of truth.All:
I commend my spirit.

Reader:
Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. All:
Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.

SONG OF SIMEON (Nunc Dimitis)

All:Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake;Watch over us as we sleep,That awake, we may keep watch with Christ,And asleep, may rest in his peace.

Luke 2:29-32

Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, your word has been fulfilled:My own eyes have seen the salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people.A light to reveal you to the nations,and the glory of your people, Israel.

All:Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

All:Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake;Watch over us as we sleep,That awake, we may keep watch with Christ,And asleep, may rest in his peace.

PRAYER

(You might like to spend a few moments thanking God for the day or bringing to him any outstanding issues.)

COLLECT

Reader:(Either this or an alternative closing prayer may be said.)

Be present, O God,
And protect us through the silent hours of this night,
So that we who are wearied by the changes and chances of this fleeting world,
May rest upon your eternal changelessness.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, your son our Lord,
Who is alive and reigns with you,
In the unity of the Spirit,
One God, now and forever, Amen

BLESSING

Reader:(When praying in community, this or a similar blessing may be used)

May the all-powerful Lord grant us a restful night and a peaceful end. Amen

ABOUT TODAY

In the church calendar the long stretch of time between Pentecost and the beginning of Advent is known as ‘Ordinary Time.’ Inasmuch as we have celebrated to birth, death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus and the subsequent descent of the Holy Spirit; so this time is often seen as representative of the long ‘Church Age’ when the gospel is preached to all creation.

CALL TO WORSHIP

Reader:
God, come to my assistance.All:Lord, make haste to help me.

Reader:
Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. All:As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

AFTERNOON PSALM

Psalm 17

Prayer with Confidence in Final SalvationA prayer of David.

Hear a just cause, O Lord,Attend to my cry;Give ear to my prayer which is not from deceitful lips.Let my vindication come from Your presence;Let Your eyes look on the things that are upright.

You have tested my heart;You have visited me in the night;You have tried me and have found nothing;I have purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.Concerning the works of men,By the word of Your lips,I have kept away from the paths of the destroyer.Uphold my steps in Your paths,That my footsteps may not slip.

I have called upon You, for You will hear me, O God;Incline Your ear to me, and hear my speech.Show Your marvelous lovingkindness by Your right hand,O You who save those who trust in YouFrom those who rise up against them.Keep me as the apple of Your eye;Hide me under the shadow of Your wings,From the wicked who oppress me,From my deadly enemies who surround me.

They have closed up their fat hearts;With their mouths they speak proudly.They have now surrounded us in our steps;They have set their eyes, crouching down to the earth,As a lion is eager to tear his prey,And like a young lion lurking in secret places.

Arise, O Lord,Confront him, cast him down;Deliver my life from the wicked with Your sword,With Your hand from men, O Lord,From men of the world who have their portion in this life,And whose belly You fill with Your hidden treasure.They are satisfied with children,And leave the rest of their possession for their babes.

As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness;I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness.

All:

Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

WORSHIP (Optional)

All:
(A short time of worship and thanksgiving, led or spontaneous. Alternatively a devotional song may be played and listened to.)

OLD TESTAMENT READING

Isaiah 54:1-17

The Eternal Covenant of Peace

“Sing, O barren one, who did not bear;break forth into singing and cry aloud,you who have not been in labour!For the children of the desolate one will be morethan the children of her who is married,” says the Lord.“Enlarge the place of your tent,and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out;do not hold back; lengthen your cordsand strengthen your stakes.For you will spread abroad to the right and to the left,and your offspring will possess the nationsand will people the desolate cities.“Fear not, for you will not be ashamed;be not confounded, for you will not be disgraced;for you will forget the shame of your youth,and the reproach of your widowhood you will remember no more.For your Maker is your husband,the Lord of hosts is his name;and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer,the God of the whole earth he is called.For the Lord has called youlike a wife deserted and grieved in spirit,like a wife of youth when she is cast off,says your God.For a brief moment I deserted you,but with great compassion I will gather you.In overflowing anger for a momentI hid my face from you,but with everlasting love I will have compassion on you,”says the Lord, your Redeemer.“This is like the days of Noah to me:as I swore that the waters of Noahshould no more go over the earth,so I have sworn that I will not be angry with you,and will not rebuke you.For the mountains may departand the hills be removed,but my steadfast love shall not depart from you,and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,”says the Lord, who has compassion on you.“O afflicted one, storm-tossed and not comforted,behold, I will set your stones in antimony,and lay your foundations with sapphires.I will make your pinnacles of agate,your gates of carbuncles,and all your wall of precious stones.All your children shall be taught by the Lord,and great shall be the peace of your children.In righteousness you shall be established;you shall be far from oppression, for you shall not fear;and from terror, for it shall not come near you.If anyone stirs up strife,it is not from me;whoever stirs up strife with youshall fall because of you.Behold, I have created the smithwho blows the fire of coalsand produces a weapon for its purpose.I have also created the ravager to destroy;no weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed,and you shall confute every tongue that rises against you in judgement.This is the heritage of the servants of the Lordand their vindication from me, declares the Lord.”

Reader:The Word of the Lord.All:Thanks be to God.

Pause for Reflection……

PRAYER

(Take a moment to bring to God any issues that have arisen during the morning. You may like to end with the following prayer…)

Reader:Lord Jesus, you worked with your hands as a carpenter.
May we who labour upon the earth never cease to give you praise,
And know your loving presence with us.
We ask this for your glory. Amen

(If these prayers are taking place before food, you may like to say the Grace here also.)

GRACE (Optional)

(If these prayers are taking place before food, you may like to say the Grace here instead.)

Lord God, we thank you for your gift to us of this food;
Produce of earth, sky, many living beings, and much hard work.

May we eat with prayerfulness, gratitude and moderation;
With renewed minds and spirit-controlled appetites.

May we eat with compassion for those who hunger today,
And in such a way that reduces the suffering of all creatures;
Healing and preserving our precious planet.

Use this food to strengthen our bodies, revive our spirits,
Nurture our family and nourish our resolve;
That we may continue to serve all that lives with all our life. Amen

ABOUT TODAY

In the church calendar the long stretch of time between Pentecost and the beginning of Advent is known as ‘Ordinary Time.’ Inasmuch as we have celebrated to birth, death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus and the subsequent descent of the Holy Spirit; so this time is often seen as representative of the long ‘Church Age’ when the gospel is preached to all creation. Because of that, our intercessions during this period will include prayers for every single nation of the world by name.

CALL TO WORSHIP

Reader:
Lord, Open my lips.All:And my mouth will give you praise.

Reader:Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. All:As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

INVITATORY PSALM:

Psalm 95:1-7 (Venite, exultemus)

All:

A Call to Worship and Obedience

Oh come, let us sing to the Lord!Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving;Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.For the Lord is the great God,And the great King above all gods.In His hand are the deep places of the earth;The heights of the hills are His also.The sea is His, for He made it;And His hands formed the dry land.

Oh come, let us worship and bow down;Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.For He is our God,And we are the people of His pasture,And the sheep of His hand.

All:Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

MORNING PSALM

Psalm 30

The Blessedness of Answered PrayerA Psalm. A Song at the dedication of the house of David.

I will extol You, O Lord, for You have lifted me up,And have not let my foes rejoice over me.O Lord my God, I cried out to You,And You healed me.O Lord, You brought my soul up from the grave;You have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.

Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His,And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.For His anger is but for a moment,His favor is for life;Weeping may endure for a night,But joy comes in the morning.

Now in my prosperity I said,“I shall never be moved.”Lord, by Your favor You have made my mountain stand strong;You hid Your face, and I was troubled.

I cried out to You, O Lord;And to the Lord I made supplication:“What profit is there in my blood,When I go down to the pit?Will the dust praise You?Will it declare Your truth?Hear, O Lord, and have mercy on me;Lord, be my helper!”

You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness,To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent.O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.

All:Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

WORSHIP

All:
(A time of worship and thanksgiving, led or spontaneous. Alternatively a devotional song may be played and listened to.)

PRAYER & INTERCESSION

Reader:Let us pray for the day and its tasks, for the church and her life, and for the world and its needs.

(You may use these prayers as written or use them as ‘prayer pointers’ for your own spontaneous petitions.

Personal Requests

King of all, fill us today with the knowledge of your will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. May we live a life worthy of you, and please you in every way. We pray that today we may bear fruit in every good work, that our souls may be strengthened with all power and courage to perform your will. – Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and shield…

We pray to Jehovah-Jireh for understanding in dealing with our finances, provision for every need and an abundance for every good work. – Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and shield…

We pray to Jehovah-Rophé for insight in dealing with our flesh, healing for every sickness and strength for every endevour. – Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and shield…

We pray to Jehovah-Shalom for wisdom in dealing with the stress of life, calm in every storm and peace in every step. – Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and shield…

Family & Friends

Father of Jesus, we pray for those we know who are still far from your Kingdom. Give us grace to speak into their lives, words to draw them to the light and opportunities to witness of the King we serve. – Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and shield…

For those we have hurt through unkind words, those we have injured through untrue speech and those we have wounded through uncharitable actions. – Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and shield…

For those whose families are fracturing, whose homes are breaking and whose children are suffering. Restore and renew the Covenant, O God! – Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and shield…

The Church

Lord Jesus, we pray for your church that she may be enriched with the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Christ; that the eyes of her heart may be enlightened, that she might know the hope to which you have called us, the riches of your inheritance in the saints and your incomparable power towards us who believe. – Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and shield…

May your people be rooted and grounded in love; fully able to perceive what is the width and length and height and depth of the love of Christ, which surpasses knowledge. – Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and shield…

May your people be filled with the full measure of the fullness of God. Inhabit your people and take ownership of every part! – Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and shield…

The World

Mighty God, the people of the world belong to you. Today we pray for Austria, a nation of music, art and beautiful scenery but with great spiritual need. May the living presence of Christ reanimate lifeless orthodoxy and the long decline of the Lutheran and Reformed churches be reversed by mighty revival. – Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and shield…

Raise up new churches and leaders to fill the gap and impart great wisdom and evangelical zeal to those whose hearts burn for you. – Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and shield…

For wisdom and compassion in dealing with the many refugees and ethnic migrants to the region. – Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and shield…

For the openness of the young to the gospel and the growing passion for prayer amongst students. – Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and shield…

THE LORD’SPRAYER

Reader: And so we pray…

All:Our Father in heaven,Holy is Your Name.Your Kingdom come.Your will be done,On earth as it is in heaven.Give us this day our daily bread;And forgive us our trespasses,As we forgive those who trespass against us.And lead us not into temptation,But deliver us from evil.For yours is the kingdom,The power, and the glory,Forever and ever. Amen.

GOSPEL READING

Acts 6:8-15

Stephen Is Seized

And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people.Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen.But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.Then they secretly instigated men who said, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.”And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and they came upon him and seized him and brought him before the council,and they set up false witnesses who said, “This man never ceases to speak words against this holy place and the law,for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses delivered to us.”And gazing at him, all who sat in the council saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

Reader:The Word of the Lord.All: Thanks be to God.

Pause for Reflection…

READING: THE WAY OF CHRIST(Optional)

Remembering that Christ himself taught that we should, “deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow”, I gladly embrace a life of self-denial. As a follower of the Way of Humility, I determine to live in such a way that is an imitation of Christ; denying all selfish, inordinate and unhealthy desires of the body and mind in order that the life of Christ may be truly known.

All:This is The Way of Humility: The Principle of Self Denial.

Pause for Reflection…

THE APOSTLES CREED

Reader: And so we make our declaration of faith…

All:We believe in God the Father, Almighty,Maker of heaven and earth:And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord,Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,Born of the Virgin Mary,Suffered under Pontius Pilate,Was crucified, dead, and buried:He descended into the grave;The third day he rose again from the dead;He ascended into heaven,And sits on the right hand of God the Father Almighty;From there he shall come to judge the living and the dead.We believe in the Holy Spirit;The Holy Worldwide Church;The Communion of Saints;The Forgiveness of sins;The Resurrection of the body,And the Life everlasting. Amen.

COLLECT

Reader:(Either this or an alternative closing prayer may be said.)

Lord God, your Son left the riches of heaven,
And became poor for our sake.
When we prosper save us from pride,
When we are needy save us from despair,
That we may trust in you alone,
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

BLESSING

Reader:(When praying in community, this or a similar blessing may be used)

And may the love of the Father,
The tenderness of the Son,
And the presence of the Spirit,
Gladden your heart,
And bring peace to your soul,
This day and all days. Amen.

ABOUT COMPLINE

Compline (which comes from the Latin word for completion) follows a very ancient format that has been largely unchanged for many centuries. It is simple enough to memorise and it’s familiar rhythm helps to wonderfully settle the mind before sleep. It is a time of quietness and reflection and is best done as the very last thing you do before turning off the lights and going to sleep.

CALL TO WORSHIP

Reader:God, come to my assistanceAll:Lord, make haste to help me.

Reader:
Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. All:As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE

We are called to have a clear conscience towards God and towards men, in our hearts and in our minds, in our actions and inactions. To do so, it is vital that we examine our conscience daily and ask for God’s mercy as we fall short and to ask His strength to do better.

Pause for Reflection…

All: (When praying in community, use the words in parenthesis)

I confess to God almighty,(and to you my brothers and sisters,)
that I have greatly sinned,
In my thoughts and in my words,
in what I have done and in what I have failed to do.
Through my fault, through my foolishness,And through my fear.

Almighty God, have mercy upon me.Forgive me all my sins,and deliver me from all evil.Confirm and strengthen me in all goodness,and bring me to life everlasting.Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Pause for Reflection…

Reader:Lord, Have mercy.All:Lord, have mercy. Reader:Christ, Have mercy. All:Christ, have mercy. Reader:Lord, Have mercy.All:Lord, have mercy.

EVENING PSALM

Psalm 31:1-5

The Lord a Fortress in AdversityTo the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.

In You, O Lord, I put my trust;Let me never be ashamed;Deliver me in Your righteousness.Bow down Your ear to me,Deliver me speedily;Be my rock of refuge,A fortress of defense to save me.

For You are my rock and my fortress;Therefore, for Your name’s sake,Lead me and guide me.Pull me out of the net which they have secretly laid for me,For You are my strength.Into Your hand I commit my spirit;You have redeemed me, O Lord God of truth.

All:Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

WORSHIP

All:
(A time of worship and thanksgiving, led or spontaneous. Alternatively a devotional song may be played and listened to.)

NEW TESTAMENT READING

Ephesians 3:14-21

Prayer for Spiritual Strength

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father,from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being,so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love,may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever. Amen.

RESPONSORY

Reader:
Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. All:
Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.

SONG OF SIMEON (Nunc Dimitis)

All:Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake;Watch over us as we sleep,That awake, we may keep watch with Christ,And asleep, may rest in his peace.

Luke 2:29-32

Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, your word has been fulfilled:My own eyes have seen the salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people.A light to reveal you to the nations,and the glory of your people, Israel.

All:Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

All:Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake;Watch over us as we sleep,That awake, we may keep watch with Christ,And asleep, may rest in his peace.

PRAYER

(You might like to spend a few moments thanking God for the day or bringing to him any outstanding issues.)

COLLECT

Reader:(Either this or an alternative closing prayer may be said.)

Be present, O God,
And protect us through the silent hours of this night,
So that we who are wearied by the changes and chances of this fleeting world,
May rest upon your eternal changelessness.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, your son our Lord,
Who is alive and reigns with you,
In the unity of the Spirit,
One God, now and forever, Amen

BLESSING

Reader:(When praying in community, this or a similar blessing may be used)

May the all-powerful Lord grant us a restful night and a peaceful end. Amen

ABOUT TODAY

In the church calendar the long stretch of time between Pentecost and the beginning of Advent is known as ‘Ordinary Time.’ Inasmuch as we have celebrated to birth, death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus and the subsequent descent of the Holy Spirit; so this time is often seen as representative of the long ‘Church Age’ when the gospel is preached to all creation.

CALL TO WORSHIP

Reader:
God, come to my assistance.All:Lord, make haste to help me.

Reader:
Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. All:As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

AFTERNOON PSALM

Psalm 16

The Hope of the Faithful, and the Messiah’s VictoryA Michtam of David.

Preserve me, O God, for in You I put my trust.

O my soul, you have said to the Lord,“You are my Lord,My goodness is nothing apart from You.”As for the saints who are on the earth,“They are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.”

Their sorrows shall be multiplied who hasten after another god;Their drink offerings of blood I will not offer,Nor take up their names on my lips.

O Lord, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup;You maintain my lot.The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places;Yes, I have a good inheritance.

I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel;My heart also instructs me in the night seasons.I have set the Lord always before me;Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.

Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices;My flesh also will rest in hope.For You will not leave my soul in Sheol,Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.You will show me the path of life;In Your presence is fullness of joy;At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

All:

Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

WORSHIP (Optional)

All:
(A short time of worship and thanksgiving, led or spontaneous. Alternatively a devotional song may be played and listened to.)

OLD TESTAMENT READING

Isaiah 52:13-53:13

He Was Wounded for Our Transgressions

Behold, my servant shall act wisely;he shall be high and lifted up,and shall be exalted.As many were astonished at you—his appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance,and his form beyond that of the children of mankind—so shall he sprinkle many nations;kings shall shut their mouths because of him;for that which has not been told them they see,and that which they have not heard they understand.Who has believed what he has heard from us?And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?For he grew up before him like a young plant,and like a root out of dry ground;he had no form or majesty that we should look at him,and no beauty that we should desire him.He was despised and rejected by men;a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief;and as one from whom men hide their faceshe was despised, and we esteemed him not.Surely he has borne our griefsand carried our sorrows;yet we esteemed him stricken,smitten by God, and afflicted.But he was wounded for our transgressions;he was crushed for our iniquities;upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,and with his stripes we are healed.All we like sheep have gone astray;we have turned—every one—to his own way;and the Lord has laid on himthe iniquity of us all.He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,yet he opened not his mouth;like a lamb that is led to the slaughter,and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent,so he opened not his mouth.By oppression and judgement he was taken away;and as for his generation, who consideredthat he was cut off out of the land of the living,stricken for the transgression of my people?And they made his grave with the wickedand with a rich man in his death,although he had done no violence,and there was no deceit in his mouth.Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him;he has put him to grief;when his soul makes an offering for guilt,he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days;the will of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied;by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant,make many to be accounted righteous,and he shall bear their iniquities.Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many,and he shall divide the spoil with the strong,because he poured out his soul to deathand was numbered with the transgressors;yet he bore the sin of many,and makes intercession for the transgressors.

Reader:The Word of the Lord.All:Thanks be to God.

Pause for Reflection……

PRAYER

(Take a moment to bring to God any issues that have arisen during the morning. You may like to end with the following prayer…)

Reader:Lord Jesus, you worked with your hands as a carpenter.
May we who labour upon the earth never cease to give you praise,
And know your loving presence with us.
We ask this for your glory. Amen

(If these prayers are taking place before food, you may like to say the Grace here also.)

GRACE (Optional)

(If these prayers are taking place before food, you may like to say the Grace here instead.)

Lord God, we thank you for your gift to us of this food;
Produce of earth, sky, many living beings, and much hard work.

May we eat with prayerfulness, gratitude and moderation;
With renewed minds and spirit-controlled appetites.

May we eat with compassion for those who hunger today,
And in such a way that reduces the suffering of all creatures;
Healing and preserving our precious planet.

Use this food to strengthen our bodies, revive our spirits,
Nurture our family and nourish our resolve;
That we may continue to serve all that lives with all our life. Amen

ABOUT TODAY

In the church calendar the long stretch of time between Pentecost and the beginning of Advent is known as ‘Ordinary Time.’ Inasmuch as we have celebrated to birth, death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus and the subsequent descent of the Holy Spirit; so this time is often seen as representative of the long ‘Church Age’ when the gospel is preached to all creation. Because of that, our intercessions during this period will include prayers for every single nation of the world by name.

CALL TO WORSHIP

Reader:
Lord, Open my lips.All:And my mouth will give you praise.

Reader:Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. All:As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

INVITATORY PSALM:

Psalm 95:1-7 (Venite, exultemus)

All:

A Call to Worship and Obedience

Oh come, let us sing to the Lord!Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving;Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.For the Lord is the great God,And the great King above all gods.In His hand are the deep places of the earth;The heights of the hills are His also.The sea is His, for He made it;And His hands formed the dry land.

Oh come, let us worship and bow down;Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.For He is our God,And we are the people of His pasture,And the sheep of His hand.

All:Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

MORNING PSALM

Psalm 29

Praise to God in His Holiness and MajestyA Psalm of David.

Give unto the Lord, O you mighty ones,Give unto the Lord glory and strength.Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name;Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.

The voice of the Lord is over the waters;The God of glory thunders;The Lord is over many waters.The voice of the Lord is powerful;The voice of the Lord is full of majesty.

The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars,Yes, the Lord splinters the cedars of Lebanon.He makes them also skip like a calf,Lebanon and Sirion like a young wild ox.The voice of the Lord divides the flames of fire.

The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness;The Lord shakes the Wilderness of Kadesh.The voice of the Lord makes the deer give birth,And strips the forests bare;And in His temple everyone says, “Glory!”

The Lord sat enthroned at the Flood,And the Lord sits as King forever.The Lord will give strength to His people;The Lord will bless His people with peace.

All:Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

WORSHIP

All:
(A time of worship and thanksgiving, led or spontaneous. Alternatively a devotional song may be played and listened to.)

PRAYER & INTERCESSION

Reader:Let us pray for the day and its tasks, for the church and her life, and for the world and its needs.

(You may use these prayers as written or use them as ‘prayer pointers’ for your own spontaneous petitions.

Personal Requests

Almighty God, morning by morning your grace and glory captivates us! We thank you for a new day, and give praise to you who caused light to shine out of darkness. Today by your grace we shall triumph in the works of your hands and we are anointed with fresh oil. Today we shall flourish as palm trees and grow like cedars in Lebanon! – The Lord is clothed with strength; our feet shall not be moved…

Planted in the House of the Lord, we shall flourish in the courts of our God. – The Lord is clothed with strength; our feet shall not be moved…

Bringing forth fruit in old age, we shall be fat, green and flourishing! – The Lord is clothed with strength; our feet shall not be moved…

Family & Friends

God, who sets the lonely in families and brings those who are bound into prosperity, guard over our families and loved ones today. As iron sharpens iron so may our relationships bring us closer to Christ; and as two are better than one, so may we be vigilant to watch over each other’s souls and work for each other’s good. – The Lord is clothed with strength; our feet shall not be moved…

When your Spirit came in times past, we read that whole households were saved. We pray for the fractured and broken families of our church and cry to you for salvation for all! – The Lord is clothed with strength; our feet shall not be moved…

For those in further education, that they may find good churches to support them and good friendships to sustain them. – The Lord is clothed with strength; our feet shall not be moved…

The Church

Lord Jesus, we pray for your people. May they be enlightened to know your ways, empowered to share their faith, enriched with every blessing and enthralled with love for you. May your people be one, even as you are one with the Father. – The Lord is clothed with strength; our feet shall not be moved…

For Pope Francis, his bishops, priests, ministers, and all those that serve your people… – The Lord is clothed with strength; our feet shall not be moved…

For our Orthodox brothers and sisters, tested by persecution and triumphant by faith… – The Lord is clothed with strength; our feet shall not be moved…

For the Churches of the Reformation, the Anglican Communion and the free churches… – The Lord is clothed with strength; our feet shall not be moved…

The World

Mighty God, we lift to you our broken world and pray today for Australia, the great Southland where you have gathered people from every nation, tribe and tongue. May the testimony of your church be strong and united, and the move of your Holy Spirit be sustained. – The Lord is clothed with strength; our feet shall not be moved…

For the Aboriginal community, displaced and demoralised by Western culture and greed. Raise up Pastors of Christ-like stature to revitalise this largely Christian people. – The Lord is clothed with strength; our feet shall not be moved…

For the increasing challenge of asylum seekers and refugees, that the government will make decisions that are right, if not necessarily easy. – The Lord is clothed with strength; our feet shall not be moved…

For churches able to reach out to an increasingly post-Christian, secular culture with faith, dynamism and divinely inspired strategies – The Lord is clothed with strength; our feet shall not be moved…

For wisdom in managing the most ecologically fragile continent in the world. May it not be that the ‘success’ of the culture leads to the failure of the land – The Lord is clothed with strength; our feet shall not be moved…

THE LORD’SPRAYER

Reader: And so we pray…

All:Our Father in heaven,Holy is Your Name.Your Kingdom come.Your will be done,On earth as it is in heaven.Give us this day our daily bread;And forgive us our trespasses,As we forgive those who trespass against us.And lead us not into temptation,But deliver us from evil.For yours is the kingdom,The power, and the glory,Forever and ever. Amen.

GOSPEL READING

Acts 6:1-7

Seven Chosen to Serve

Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution.And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables.Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch.These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.

And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.

Reader:The Word of the Lord.All: Thanks be to God.

Pause for Reflection…

READING: THE WAY OF CHRIST(Optional)

Aware that the spiritual discipline of Submission is given by God to help me crucify the self-life, I submit my natural rebellious nature to the cross and my stubborn will to His transforming power. As a follower of the Way of Humility, I yield in love to those who guide my family, govern my workplace, lead my church and rule my nation.

All:This is The Way of Humility: The Principle of Joyful Submission.

Pause for Reflection…

THE APOSTLES CREED

Reader: And so we make our declaration of faith…

All:We believe in God the Father, Almighty,Maker of heaven and earth:And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord,Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,Born of the Virgin Mary,Suffered under Pontius Pilate,Was crucified, dead, and buried:He descended into the grave;The third day he rose again from the dead;He ascended into heaven,And sits on the right hand of God the Father Almighty;From there he shall come to judge the living and the dead.We believe in the Holy Spirit;The Holy Worldwide Church;The Communion of Saints;The Forgiveness of sins;The Resurrection of the body,And the Life everlasting. Amen.

COLLECT

Reader:(Either this or an alternative closing prayer may be said.)

Creator God, you made us all in your image:
May we discern you in all that we see,
And serve you in all that we do;
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

BLESSING

Reader:(When praying in community, this or a similar blessing may be used)

And may the love of God set your hearts free,
To live an abundant life overflowing in joy and compassion,
In the service of others. Amen.

ABOUT COMPLINE

Compline (which comes from the Latin word for completion) follows a very ancient format that has been largely unchanged for many centuries. It is simple enough to memorise and it’s familiar rhythm helps to wonderfully settle the mind before sleep. It is a time of quietness and reflection and is best done as the very last thing you do before turning off the lights and going to sleep.

CALL TO WORSHIP

Reader:God, come to my assistanceAll:Lord, make haste to help me.

Reader:
Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. All:As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE

We are called to have a clear conscience towards God and towards men, in our hearts and in our minds, in our actions and inactions. To do so, it is vital that we examine our conscience daily and ask for God’s mercy as we fall short and to ask His strength to do better.

Pause for Reflection…

All: (When praying in community, use the words in parenthesis)

I confess to God almighty,(and to you my brothers and sisters,)
that I have greatly sinned,
In my thoughts and in my words,
in what I have done and in what I have failed to do.
Through my fault, through my foolishness,And through my fear.

Almighty God, have mercy upon me.Forgive me all my sins,and deliver me from all evil.Confirm and strengthen me in all goodness,and bring me to life everlasting.Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Pause for Reflection…

Reader:Lord, Have mercy.All:Lord, have mercy. Reader:Christ, Have mercy. All:Christ, have mercy. Reader:Lord, Have mercy.All:Lord, have mercy.

EVENING PSALM

Psalm 23

The Lord the Shepherd of His PeopleA Psalm of David.

The Lord is my shepherd;I shall not want.He makes me to lie down in green pastures;He leads me beside the still waters.He restores my soul;He leads me in the paths of righteousnessFor His name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,I will fear no evil;For You are with me;Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;You anoint my head with oil;My cup runs over.Surely goodness and mercy shall follow meAll the days of my life;And I will dwell in the house of the LordForever.

All:Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

WORSHIP

All:
(A time of worship and thanksgiving, led or spontaneous. Alternatively a devotional song may be played and listened to.)

NEW TESTAMENT READING

Ephesians 3:1-13

The Mystery of the Gospel Revealed

For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles—assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you,how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly.When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ,which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit.This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power.To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things,so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord,in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him.So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.

Reader:
Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. All:
Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.

SONG OF SIMEON (Nunc Dimitis)

All:Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake;Watch over us as we sleep,That awake, we may keep watch with Christ,And asleep, may rest in his peace.

Luke 2:29-32

Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, your word has been fulfilled:My own eyes have seen the salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people.A light to reveal you to the nations,and the glory of your people, Israel.

All:Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

All:Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake;Watch over us as we sleep,That awake, we may keep watch with Christ,And asleep, may rest in his peace.

PRAYER

(You might like to spend a few moments thanking God for the day or bringing to him any outstanding issues.)

COLLECT

Reader:(Either this or an alternative closing prayer may be said.)

Be present, O God,
And protect us through the silent hours of this night,
So that we who are wearied by the changes and chances of this fleeting world,
May rest upon your eternal changelessness.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, your son our Lord,
Who is alive and reigns with you,
In the unity of the Spirit,
One God, now and forever, Amen

BLESSING

Reader:(When praying in community, this or a similar blessing may be used)

May the all-powerful Lord grant us a restful night and a peaceful end. Amen